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Korean medical professors join doctors' protests
STORY: Protests by young South Korean doctors intensified on Monday. Hospitals are turning away patients and delaying surgeries following a major strike several weeks ago over government plans to increase admissions to medical schools. Currently, the trainees are supported by medical professors. Kim Chang-soo, president of the Korean Medical Professors Association, said: “It is clear that the increase in the number of medical school admissions will not only undermine medical school education but also collapse our country's medical system.” He did not say how many trainees had submitted their resignations, but said that if the government moves forward with punishing striking trainees, more could be expected. On February 20, about 70% of young doctors in the country quit their jobs en masse, numbering about 9,000. And they are angry that the government is instead focusing on increasing the number of doctors. More students will be entering medical school every year from 2025. President Yun Seok-yeol has vowed to work resolutely to increase the number of medical students. , on Sunday, Yin appeared to soften his stance, asking the prime minister for “flexible measures” to deal with the suspension. Yun's office also announced that his medical license had been ordered suspended. The Prime Minister called for a “constructive consultative body” to be established to talk to all medical experts.